A Comparison of Excitation Conditions between Conventional and Low-Flow, Low-Power Inductively Coupled Plasma Torches

FeI excitation temperatures have been measured for both conventional and low-flow, low-power ICP torches. Temperatures were measured from 0 to ± 6 mm radial position at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 mm above the load coil. In addition, radial and vertical spatial emission profiles for FeI and FeII have been measured for both torches. The results indicate that the gas flow dynamics are different for the two torches and this in turn creates a different excitation environment for each torch.